Time to Plant the Tulips, How to Plant Tulips

Late fall before the first frost it is time to plant the tulips and other bulb
plants like crocus. This simple article will discuss the proper way to plant
bulb plants like the tulip and when to plant them.

First, I always recommend that you read the grower's recommendations for
planting their hybrids. Generally, for tulips and bulb plants this is the
standard recommendations.

Tulips

Dig a hole approximately 6 inches deep.

Place bulb in hole with the bulb facing up.

Space bulbs about 4 to 6 inches apart.

Cover with dirt and water.

Crocus

Dig a hole approximately 3 inches deep.

Place bulb in hole with the bulb facing up.

Space bulbs about 2 to 3 inches apart.

Cover with dirt and water.

These planting tips will produce the best chance that you will get the greatest
number of your tulips to survive the winter and ensure an attractive spring
blooming season.

Other helpful tips that will increase chances of survival include planting your
bulbs before the first frost of the season and especially before the ground
freezes.

Plant Bulbs in Clusters

For the most attractive spring glory plan your bulb plantings in clusters.
Tulips always give a better show when there are groups of them together. So
plan how you are going to combine colors, patterns and even tulip type to make
the best spring presentation. Put the bulbs in clusters of 5 to 25, ensuring
even spacing and proper combinations of colors. Don't be afraid to use
contrasting colors to make a statement with your bulbs.

To amend the soil use bonemeal and / or bulb food in the bottom of the hole to
help the bulbs have a good start when the ground begins to thaw. As you are
digging the 6 inch hole loosen the soil another 2 inches and combine the
bonemeal into that loosened soil.

Crocuses and tulips require some sun but do okay in partial sun. It is
important that you plant your bulbs in the right direction when planting. Bulbs
are food sources for the flower. When facing the wrong direction, they begin
growing in the wrong direction and use up valuable energy and food trying to
find the sun.

Some people do plant them sideways or upside down for a purpose. If you want to
delay the timing of your different groups of tulips, then that will take longer
for those bulbs to poke their heads out of the ground and it will appear that
you have timed your bulbs to bloom at different times in the early spring.

Other bulb and bulb like plants include:

Iris

Plant on the surface

Crocus

Plant 2 to 3 inches deep

Begonia

Plant 2 to 3 inches deep

Lilies

Plant 2 to 3 inches deep

Ranunculus

Plant 2 to 3 inches deep

Gladioli

Plant 3 to 4 inches deep

Daffodils

Plant 3 to 4 inches deep

Dahlias

Plant 3 to 4 inches deep

Tulips

Plant 4 to 6 inches deep

Hyacinths

Plant 6 to 8 inches deep

In Review, plant bulbs like tulips and crocuses the proper depth in the
ground. Plant them in borders or groups / clusters to get the best visual
impact. Get them in the ground before the first frost and especially before the
ground freezes. Give the bulbs enough space between each other so they have the
best chance of surviving. And most important, plant them so the flower part is
facing toward the sun.